Chicagoland Craft Beer Bar to Open On-Site Brewery

Press Release

Jan. 28, 2015 at 11:39 AM

Chicago, IL — Tribes Alehouse, one of Chicagoland’s premiere craft beer bars with locations in Mokena and Tinley Park, is excited to announce the construction of its new on-site brewery, Tribes Beer Company. The 7-barrel, all steam system is being built adjacent to the Mokena location in a 2,000 square foot space, with an expected spring 2015 opening. David Kerns, former brewer at the award-winning Haymarket Pub & Brewery, brings his expertise and experience to Tribes Beer Company as head brewer. Initially, the beer brewed by Tribes Beer Company will be served exclusively at the two Tribes Alehouse locations (Mokena & Tinley Park) with a goal of having 10 handles by the end of 2015 and expanded availability.

“After being one of the best craft beer bars in the greater Chicagoland area for the past five years, making beer is a natural progression for Tribes and we could not be more excited,” says Niall Freyne, Tribes owner.

The Tribes Beer Company brewery will have the same neighborhood bar look and feel as the two Tribes restaurants. While there will be plenty of Tribes beer on tap, the craft beer bar will still be on the cutting edge of American craft beer–with 40 taps and a stellar bottle list, Tribes will still offer sought after and difficult to find brews from around the country.

“Usually breweries make beer and then decide to open a bar or a tap room,” says Freyne, “but I am taking a more deliberate approach and channeling my expertise and that of David Kerns to create some delicious, unique beers.”

Head brewer David Kerns adds: “This is a great opportunity to take a well-known craft beer destination to the next level. As head brewer, I hope to establish Tribes Beer Company as a respected name in the brewing world with the production of quality, delicious craft beer.”

While construction is underway, beer lovers will have the opportunity to taste Tribes beer through a number of collaborations, including: Solemn Oath and BuckleDown Brewing with more in the works! Launch events, tastings and tap takeovers in Chicago and the suburbs are all on the docket for Tribes Beer Company. In addition, some of the spent grain leftover from the brewing process will be used as the base for housemade crackers and bread for both of the Tribes Alehouse restaurants. The remaining spent grain will be given to local farmers as animal feed.

About Tribes Alehouse:

Owner Niall Freyne opened Tribes Alehouse in 2009, in Mokena, Illinois with the idea of bringing the exploding craft beer scene to the south suburbs. Born in Ireland and raised in New York, Freyne’s experience includes a culinary degree, extensive experience in the hotel industry, bar management, restaurants and catering, all which honed his skill set for the opening of Tribes Alehouse.

Now with two locations in Mokena and Tinley Park (opened in 2012), Tribes Alehouse is one of Chicagoland’s premiere craft beer bars. Featuring over 40 taps of unique & ever-changing craft beer, a stellar whiskey list and a delicious, extensive menu, Tribes Alehouse strives to provide guests with the full craft beer experience.

Freyne has always had a passion for craft beer and it shows in every aspect of Tribes Alehouse, from the décor to the carefully curated tap list and the knowledgeable, attentive staff. Tribes updates its beer list constantly and holds special tap events each week to feature craft favorites from around the country. The food menu includes beer lovers’ favorites such as: Beer & Cheddar Dip, Wisconsin Cheese Curds and All Day Poutine, as well as heartier dishes like the 45-day dry aged, 22 oz. bone-in Cowboy Ribeye with bacon sprouts. Tribes Alehouse is known for its signature burger selection including the Andy-Jack Burger featuring andouille and jalapeno-IPA mustard and the “Big Slawb” featuring short ribs and pickled slaw.

For more information, visit the website or follow Tribes Alehouse on Facebook and Twitter at @TribesAlehouse.